But—what could Browne do against Lesbee?
He said unhappily to the other, "Before I free you, I want to lift you over to Mindel. When I do, you get his blaster for me."
"Sure," said Browne casually.
A few moments later he handed Mindel's gun over to Lesbee. So that wasn't it.
Lesbee thought: "There's Miller on the bridge—can it be that Miller flashed him a ready signal when my back was turned to the board?"
Perhaps, like Browne, Miller had been temporarily incapacitated during the period of acceleration. It was vital that he find out Miller's present capability.
Lesbee tripped the intercom between the two boards. The rugged, lined face of the first officer showed large on the screen. Lesbee could see the outlines of the bridge behind the man and, beyond, the starry blackness of space. Lesbee said courteously, "Mr. Miller, how did you make out during the acceleration?"
"It caught me by surprise, Captain. I really got a battering. I think I was out for a while. But I'm all right now."
"Good," said Lesbee. "As you probably heard, Captain Browne and I have come to an agreement, and we are now going to destroy the creature that is loose on the ship. Stand by!"